Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1887-10-07

members of the Grange, believe not, there
fore we would rather risk getting needed
changes through the General Assembly, or
wait a while longer until the people are
taught through the Grange TO think and act
more for themselves, and trust less to the
dictation of the politicians and other self
interested parties
/ have frequently heard 1t advanced as
reason why we should have Convention
that the lobby would prevent the Legisla-
ture passing any needed amendments that
the corporations and Others did not want.
What reflection upon the intelligence,
honesty and integrity of the chosen repre-
sentatives of the people.
We, the Patrons, know that il the men,
bers of the proposed convention are TO be
chosen in the same way, 10y the "bosses,O
and from the professional politicians Of the
State, that same lobby will have equal in
fluence and power, neither are we willing
unnecessarily TO add two and probably three
hundred thousand dollars 10 our present
taxes. We therefore earnestly beg all farm
eTs to think Of this matter dispassionately,
TO throw off their lethargy and take an &C.
tive interest in that which Is prominently
our business and for our welfare. Let us as
sumo that position Of independence, infiu-
ence and power to which our numbers 30
justly entitle US, and If we must needs have
a Constitutional Convention, let US send
such men that the lobby cannot influence
them to our injury and disgrace.
"Old Fogy" Is certainly not Granger, or
| If he is advise him TO read the declaration
of purposes and other Grange matter. If
he were Granger he would know that the
question Of a Constitutional Convention Is
not In itself a partisan political one, but one
that affects the whole people, therefore we
consider it one of political economy, and re-
| greet that there are many politicians, and
some others who blindly follow their lead /,
doing all they can TO make 1t party ques-
ton. If he were Granger he would also
have learned that the last Constitutional
Convention cost the State over $500, 900, and
| il was considered very economical enc,
and expenses were cut down In every pos
sible way. Can the old gentlemen expect
to frame new Constitution at this time,
when there are so many questions that will
require great care and caution to properly
adjust, in less time than the last one con-
sumed? Can he expect it to cost less mon
ey when the membership will be larger, the
lobby stronger and the managers less in
clined TO keep down expensesY 1--WE, the
farmers, and Others of limited means, pay
them.) This is only small part of what
Grange. Partisan politics and sectarian re-
igious questions are strictly prohibited, and
l am sure there is not member OF the or
der worthy of the name, or who has clear
conception OF his obligation as a member oil
the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, that
would for one moment allow or wish either
subject TO be introduced In the Grange meet.
ings. But we do claim and intend TO exer-
else the right to discuss all questions of pub.
lie policy, be they political or not, viz the
calling OF Constitutional Convention, the
question of county and State taxes, the sell.
ing or giving away of State property, the
exemption of railroad, school and church
property, that yield revenue, from taxation
and many other questions that are Of vita
importance TO the whole people, we consider
come under this head, and If "Old Fogy'
will take the pains 10 intern himself he will
find that we Of the Grange have "dabbled'
in such questions, If they are political, tc
some purpose-less in Maryland than in
almost any other State, l am sorry 10 say
but we have our shoulder TO the wheel and
are determined to keep it in motion, and
have many reasons and much encourage
ment to believe that in time the majority o
the farmers of Maryland will be drawn ou'
OF the ruts of old fogyism and started on thu
road that leads to that position of independ
ence and influence TO which our numbers as
well as intelligence, political honesty and
conservatism so justly entitle us.
Does he and his class think because W.
are farmers and Changers, we are to think o
nothing but hay and straw, and leave thu
public affairs of the county and State, (anC
may say nation,) to those who are DESTROYS
of fattening on the spoils of Office, or els,
think they have been deprived of the op
portunity Of acting as our masters by thu
discussion Of so-called political questions il
the Grange. We are not afraid Of that word
as long as the word partisan is not prefixed
for by free and friendly interchange o.
! views many of our members are made mucl
better qualified to cast theiF Vstes iatelli
gently, arc informed that we need not be a
the mercy of those who have only persona
gain in view, are taught that the creates
good to the greatest number is the only trut
and should be the only motive TO influence
public men.
A DEMOCRATIC GRANGER.